More than 10 million people across the UK are in pain right now because of arthritis or a musculoskeletal condition. Join us to make our politicians listen and take action to push back the limits of arthritis on people's lives.
In June, we launched our Cut to the Bone campaign, calling on the UK Government to rethink its proposed cuts to disability benefits. Almost 40,000 people emailed their MPs, calling on them to vote against these cuts.
Proposed cuts to PIPsOur campaigning made a difference. Over 120 Labour MPs spoke out against the Bill, and during the debate many MPs expressed concerns that had been shared with them by our community.
Our campaign's impactIf your condition is impacting on your everyday life, you may be eligible for disability benefits. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland. These benefits are designed to help with the extra costs of living with a long-term health condition or disability. They are not means-tested or affected by earnings or savings.
Financial support for people with arthritisOur survey found that 59% of respondents living with arthritis or a musculoskeletal condition had never heard of the Government's Access to Work scheme, which can be used to fund practical help, such as equipment or transport to and from work.
Working it outRight now, the UK Government funds £69 million of research into musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. But this doesn’t match the measurable impact these conditions have on people across the UK. The Government needs to invest more.
Meet our researcherWorld Arthritis Day, held every year on October 12, is a global campaign to shine a light on the realities of living with arthritis and related conditions. More than 500 million people worldwide are living with arthritis. Find out how you can show your support.
World Arthritis Day
We have an active team of campaigners across the UK and a strong track record of bringing about change. Explore how you can get involved near where you live in campaigning across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
We are a loudspeaker for the 10 million people living with arthritis in the UK today. Together with our campaigners, we took 187,839 actions last year, influencing decision makers in all four nations so that everyone with arthritis has access to the treatments and support they need.
Brenda has signed petitions, shared her story and spoken to news organisations like BBC Panorama about her experience of waiting for surgery. Elaine, one of our Change Makers in Wales, finds campaigning empowering: “You discover you have a voice, and you can use it.”
Because of our community's efforts and actions taken by others, the Government changed its approach to eligibility for the Personal Independent Payment (PIP).
The UK General Election was a huge opportunity for us to put arthritis firmly on the political agenda, calling for a new musculoskeletal conditions framework.
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It is thanks to the hard work, enthusiasm and dedication of volunteers that we can support millions of people living with arthritis every year. Volunteering is a great way to meet others, share your knowledge and make a difference to people who need our support.
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